Produce industry headlines: June 26, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, June 26, 2026, the last weekend of June. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include a loyalty program ranking, rise in restaurant chain closures, Publix mourns, industry insights on AI, the Supreme Court rules on Round Up, a mango crop update, and more.

As always, have something to share? Send us your feedback at news@bluebookservices.com.

Top Stories

Amazon, Walmart and Starbucks Lead U.S. Loyalty Rankings

Research firm LoyaltyLion’s survey suggests the loyalty landscape is a lot more nuanced than expected.

Chain shutdowns become more common after the pandemic

Once-large restaurant chains are closing their doors rather than find a buyer. Here are some examples.

Publix mourns community relations leader

Community relations manager at Publix Brian West, who spent more than 30 years in the retail grocery industry, died June 22.

Industry Insights: How AI is disrupting the fresh produce industry

In a world where products are perishable, margins are tight, and timing is everything, AI can provide a competitive advantage, says Bill Loupée of Ben B. Schwartz.

US Supreme Court blocks thousands of lawsuits against Bayer’s Roundup

The 7-2 decision effectively blocks thousands of lawsuits against Bayer that claim the chemical caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Mexico’s mango crop significantly smaller this year, but demand remains strong

U.S. mango imports are well below historical levels, which has pushed prices sharply up.